Predicting Mexico's Strongest Starting XI for CONCACAF Gold Cup 2015
The moment of truth is closer than ever. Mexico coach Miguel Herrera needs to figure out soon which starting XI he must use in order to secure the 2015 Gold Cup title.
El Tri have to win this year’s edition to face the USA in a playoff that will grant the winner a ticket for the 2017 Confederations Cup.
There's a bunch of talented footballers playing in the Liga MX and abroad, which means lots of options. However, experience and trust will be two key elements in El Piojo's decision.
Let's take a look at the strongest starting XI for the tournament.
GK: Guillermo Ochoa
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Guillermo Ochoa may not be playing much with Malaga—he has started six times, all in the Copa del Rey—but he is Miguel Herrera's first choice by far.
The goalkeeper's credentials precede him. He was voted Most Valuable Player twice, when he wore Ajaccio's jersey, and helped Mexico reach the round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup.
Ochoa has to be in the goal. His quick reflexes and organization skills make of him a great leader and partner for the defensive line.
LB: Miguel Layun
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Miguel Layun left Liga MX heavyweights America to join the Championship's Watford.
This is the left-back's second stint in Europe. In 2009 he left Mexico to play for Atalanta, but it didn't end up well, and he returned after just two appearances.
The Mexican took his game to a whole new level with Las Aguilas, where he secured two league championships.
This season, Layun has appeared seven times and has created 13 goal opportunities, including an assist with his new club. Furthermore, he has been an undisputed starter since he arrived in England.
CB: Hector Moreno
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After suffering a terrible fracture in the 2014 World Cup, Hector Moreno is back on his feet and already playing with Espanyol.
The 27-year-old has already played in a Gold Cup, back in 2011. Moreno's experience in world-class tournaments set him as one of the most trusted men on the squad.
He is a ferocious centre-back who knows how to distribute the ball and when to keep it. If there's anyone who can partner with Rafael Marquez, it's Moreno.
CB: Rafael Marquez
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Rafael Marquez may be 36 years old, but he is certainly playing at his best level.
The Mexico captain proved his worth in the 2014 World Cup, by scoring once and leading the back line throughout the tournament.
The mixture between experience and performance was so good that Marquez landed a contract with Serie A side Verona, where he starts every game.
He may not play in the 2018 World Cup, but he will definitely make the Gold Cup squad.
CB: Hiram Mier
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Hiram Mier is by far one of the most promising defenders in Mexico football.
He had an amazing performance with the Mexico U23 squad, which included the gold medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics, but he hasn't impressed with the senior team, due to several knee injuries that have sidelined him.
Right now, Mier is as healthy as he could be, and he should put behind the misfortune and prove that he belongs.
Mexico have struggled in the back line in the past six months and Mier could be a fantastic addition. Not only does he defend tightly, but he also knows how to come out from the box and create plays.
RB: Paul Aguilar
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No one has been able to surpass Paul Aguilar in the right flank.
The America footballer knows exactly what Mexico coach Miguel Herrera wants to accomplish with his 3-5-2 system and he executes it as soon as he steps into the pitch.
Aguilar is playing his eighth tournament with Las Aguilas and has appeared in all six matchdays of the 2015 Clausura tournament.
His speed through the right sideline, combined with his ability to join the attack in set pieces, gives him an advantage over others playing in the same position.
LM: Andres Guardado
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Andres Guardado has taken advantage of playing for PSV and returned quickly to his old self.
This is a tough decision for Miguel Herrera. On one hand, he has Jesus Manuel Corona, who has scored six times in 19 appearances with Twente and has shown a lot of intensity and creativity. On the other, he has a veteran footballer who has been with El Tri since 2005.
Taking into consideration that Mexico must win the tournament, Guardado should be the first choice.
His speed and experience will be instrumental in providing the squad with depth and verticality. Plus, Guardado's fine touch is always a lethal weapon in set pieces and long-distance shots.
CM: Jose Juan Vazquez
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Jose Juan Vazquez is still the best Mexican central midfielder.
El Gallito has a lot of confidence and doesn't hesitate when it comes to linking the midfield with the attacking zone, plus he also helps the back line when in distress.
Antonio Rios and Javier Guemes could be good substitutes for Vazquez, but having the Leon footballer in the starting XI is a no-brainer, really.
Vazquez has already been in charge of this position in the 2014 World Cup, and he proved to be the right choice. When he missed the round of 16 due to bookings, Carlos Salcido couldn't hold the fort.
With his club he continues to be a thriving force, especially when he distributes the ball to the left and right midfielders.
RM: Hector Herrera
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Hector Herrera is by far Mexico's best footballer right now.
The Porto midfielder has an enviable touch, which allows him to surprise the rivals' goalkeepers and defenders when he shoots from outside the box or passes the ball to his teammates.
Herrera has made five Champions League appearances this season, having put the ball away twice and completed 89 percent of the passes he has sent.
Meanwhile, in the local league, he has started 18 games and has two goals to his name.
His speed set him as an elusive player, while his creativity gives him a huge edge over the opponents.
FW: Carlos Vela
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Carlos Vela is currently recovering from a meniscus injury that sent him straight to the OR. However, he will miss only two months, per Spanish newspaper AS.
This means Vela should be back on track by April, which gives him enough time to be at his very best level for the Gold Cup.
The Real Sociedad forward returned to El Tri in good spirits—he put the ball away twice in the November friendly against the Netherlands—after a three-year hiatus.
Perhaps one of his most valuable assets is that he is fearless; he doesn't hesitate when he has the goal in front of him.
FW: Oribe Peralta
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Yes, the final pick should be Oribe Peralta, not Javier Hernandez.
Chicharito is a game-changer, granted, but he has barely played. His last appearance was on February 7, and he only appeared for 17 minutes.
Meanwhile, Peralta is currently the top Mexican scorer in the 2015 Clausura, as he has put the ball away four times in six games (one goal shy from Aviles hurtado the tournament's top scorer). Also, he is an undisputed starter with America.
Peralta hasn't played with Carlos Vela before, but Miguel Herrera has time to try the duo and come up with a lethal attacking zone.
All stats appear courtesy of Squawka and ESPN FC, unless otherwise noted.
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